Review of Tyler Perry's A Madea Christmas: The Play
Cover via Amazon
Image by Getty Images via @daylifeTyler Perry makes great films, and even better plays. However, this play, fell just short of Product Dudz expectations. Loud and outspoken grandma Madea (Tyler Perry) shows up unannounced and intervenes when a wealthy family begin arguing amongst themselves during a Christmas vacation at Cape Cod.Unlike other Tyler Perry ""Madea" plays, this one went on a little long, well a lot long before Perry's trademark character "Madea" makes her appearance. Up until that point there is little humor, a lot of singing.
What was entertaining was a new character that almost stole the show entirely was actress Patrice Lovely who played the cook "Hattie" in this play. Without this funny little unexpected character livening up what would have been some dull moments this play would have tanked entirely. There just wasn't enough of a viable story line to make it work. Most of Perry's work include great underlying messages and life lessons that make it perfect for families, however the references to pot smoking, etc. make it fall a little wayward.
Regardless of what anyone's opinion is on sparing the rod and spoiling the child, gun control or marijuana smoking, these things are still either illegal or frowned upon by the general population and could probably be left out of these plays. It is odd to see any play embrace religion and pot smoking, child spanking and gun carrying all in one.
Tyler Perry is a gifted, intelligent, and valued actor, director, and writer. Product Dudz encourages people to see most if not all of his work to gain true perspective as to just how much of a value to society he is. Plays like Diary of a Mad Black Woman, and Madea's Family Reunion, are worth their weight in gold. So even if "A Madea Christmas" didn't necessarily hit it out the of the park for Product Dudz, it is because we are holding this play up to the high standards Perry's own work has already set. The plays in general are superior to the movies only because of the impromptu moments, and live audience reactions.
Bottom Line: If you are a die hard Tyler Perry fan, you'll probably enjoy this play regardless of what anyone says. If you love most of Perry's work, and can relate to this reviews and some of it's points, you may want to pass on this one, and go for one of the many great Tyler Perry alternative movies and plays that are really off the charts in humor and overall entertainment. Product Dudz recommends these plays/movies as great alternatives: Diary of a Mad Black Woman, I Can Do Bad All By Myself (play), Madea's Family Reunion.
